9 vs 11 tooth starter

[redhat]

Posted the other day looking for a new starter (LSX starter motor) for my Tahoe. Looks like for my Tahoe a 9 tooth starter is listed. Where as a 3/4 ton 2500, Escalade, Yukon and 1500 pickup can take a 11 tooth.

Does anyone know the difference on a Gen III LS?

 

[Jethro_Bob]

Usually, either one will work. They bolt up the same. The 11 tooth is a gear reduction, so it will spin a little faster and is probably a little smaller.

Just double-check the fitment guides on the one you pick.

 

[eljefino]

They also list a kW consumption. My 4.8 takes a 1.1 kW little thing.

 

[redhat]

They also list a kW consumption. My 4.8 takes a 1.1 kW little thing.

I saw that too. I am curious if there’s a harm in the higher kw, more tooth (11 vs 9) starter that the 6.0 takes. Besides needing a new starter, I felt like this replacement 5.3 one sounded sickly.

 

[TheLastWord]

Usually, either one will work. They bolt up the same. The 11 tooth is a gear reduction, so it will spin a little faster and is probably a little smaller.

Just double-check the fitment guides on the one you pick.

^^This. Been using an off set, gear reduction, high torque type for 20 years on my 96 LT1 Roadmaster wagon. Smaller, lighter, less current draw. Instant starts and sounds so cool. Did the "big 3" also. Spec'd for Corvette but crosses over to other apps.

In my case, you have to go outside the "book" fitment guide.

 

[redhat]

Thanks all. I think I may seek one out as this 9 tooth that was spec'd for a 5.3 (a new Remy I put on a couple weeks ago) not only has failed to crank a couple times, but sounds sickly. Usually LSx starters sound pretty good.

 

[2EHA]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/133804236929

lsx starters sound sickly by design. if you want a powerful deep sound like an old dodge or toyota you need a denso clone starter.

 

[redhat]

Wanted to update my findings. Sure enough, an 11-tooth starter swaps just fine.

I ended up looking up a starter for a 2005 Escalade, same body as a Tahoe but 6.0 and a larger, 11-tooth starter. Bough a Bosch SR8581N. It installed fine and cranks this LQ4 10x better than a new Remy starter for a 5.3.

With that said, I do not see why a 6.0 starter for Gen III trucks wouldn't be a worthwhile upgrade for a 5.3 or 4.8.

 

[eljefino]

Did you get enough bolt threads into the block? That's what I would worry about.

 

[redhat]

Did you get enough bolt threads into the block? That's what I would worry about.

Yes absolutely, as far as the mounting block portion of the starter -- that is the same physical dimension. Just the motor body is longer and a little larger. Still plenty of clearance to get it in and what not.